Students at Pikeville High School learn to drive responsibly

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WYMT) - When it comes to car crashes Pike County ranks third in the state for the most accidents. On Tuesday, officials spoke to one high school in the county about driving responsibly.

It was an eye opening and emotional morning for students at Pikeville High School. as they heard a reality check about not wearing seat belts and being distracted behind the wheel.

Officer Tony Conn with the Pikeville Police Department spoke to the group of students, "As a police officer you see things you would like to forget but you've got to go on and do what you can do."

This was a message students say they needed to hear.

Wendi Smith, a senior at Pikeville High School explains, "When they showed students who have died, you just don't think that could be you. When that happens and you're sitting there, you are humbled because you're like I've texted while driving, I am guilty, everybody has done it."

Another senior, Amber Sexton adds, "It hits home and touches many lives. There is not anybody who doesn't know someone who has been touched by distracted driving."

Officials say they hope students understand their decision to buckle their seat belts and put away their phones while behind the wheel could affect their lives and the lives of those around them forever."

Pikeville Police Chief Phillip Reed says, "Hopefully we instilled knowledge in these kids that will make their travels safer on our roads."

As the students heard the horrific stories they say they will now think of the consequences before sending that text message or not buckling up.

Officials hope the students will take what they learned home to their families because they say often parents are setting bad examples by not wearing their seat belt and texting behind the wheel.

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